The youth's eyes widened with surprise at the first line. His bright, expressive peach-blossom eyes grew even rounder.
He wasn't the only one. Chu Yao, standing nearby, also changed expression.
Beneath the calm, a dark whirlpool seemed to be gathering strength.
Shen Tang paid no attention to their reactions. Her gaze fixed on the mouth of the wine jar as she concentrated and slowly recited the next line.
"What can wash away sorrow? Only Du Kang!"
As her voice fell, the literary energy that had been building surged and gathered. All she could hear was the burble of running water, and all she could smell was the fragrance of Nectar of Immortality. Shen Tang moved her right hand away. The jar was no longer empty; in its place was clear, emerald-green wine. The youth twitched his nose, his expressive peach-blossom eyes shining brighter than ever. "What fine wine!"
The passersby didn't know the truth. They only saw the youth pay, then exclaim, "What fine wine!" They sighed and shook their heads. Business had no bottom these days. This handsome young fellow could do any kind of work, yet here he was, acting as a shameless shill for someone's wine.
What happened next left everyone gaping.
The youth grabbed the jar in a rush and tipped it back, not caring when wine splashed onto his lapels.
This jar of Du Kang wine didn't taste newly brewed. The liquor was clear and emerald-green, with a mellow, lingering sweetness and an intoxicating fragrance. Even the youth, who had tasted plenty of fine wines, couldn't hide his delight. He took one gulp after another, never satisfied, and soon polished off the entire jar.
"Huh? I finished it?"
He smacked his lips, still wanting more, then shook the empty jar and squinted into it as